Afternoon Jazz with the Melbourne Octet

Much of the repertoire in this programme was written in a period of history that saw recovery from a war and a devastating pandemic followed by the rule of several dictators across the world, mass unemployment, discrimination against and persecution of various groups, and unrest in international relations. Nearly a century later, the world has a disturbingly similar set of circumstances.

The lighthearted, slightly naughty, uplifting songs of this period were an escapist remedy for the times. Sumptuous harmonies, witty lyrics and cheerful melodies are an excellent distraction.

The programme was devised during the prolonged lockdown last year, when a desire to escape, a nostalgia for a mythical land of the past (which wasn’t ever perfect, but seemed to shine in comparison to the present), and a craving to let loose and run wild were recurring themes. A couple of more recent jazz compositions are thrown in the mix – the similarities to earlier pieces are surprising, and should come with a warning; you’ll be humming them all the way home.

Note: Woodend Winter Arts Festival are still planning to proceed on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend with the appropriate COVIDSafe measures in place. If the lockdown is extended then events will be moved to future dates already booked (10-11 July and 7-8 August). Regular updates will be posted to their social media and website.